What level of fitness is required for this tour?

A moderate fitness level is sufficient as the tour involves mostly traveling by vehicle with some short walks on uneven terrain.

Is accommodation included in the price?

Yes, all accommodations throughout the 5-day itinerary are included.

Are meals provided during the tour?

All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are provided to ensure you stay energized for each day’s journey.

Is the Crown Range Road always accessible?

Access to Crown Range Road depends on weather. The tour may reroute if conditions are unfavorable.

Can I get photography guidance during the trip?

Yes, Koru Scenic Tours offers optional photography tuition to help you make the most of the spectacular scenery.

Do you provide pickup and drop-off services?

Pickup is available from select Christchurch hotels or the Canterbury Museum and drop-off is at the starting location.

Through the Middle: Koru Scenic Tours’ Otago Road Journey

Koru Scenic Tours offers an immersive 5-day expedition through New Zealand’s Otago heartland with their signature trip, Through the Middle. This guided journey launches from Christchurch and threads a path over some of the South Island’s most dramatic landscapes, historic goldfields, and vibrant lacustrine vistas. Far from the typical circuit, this tour blends natural grandeur with rich heritage, making it a compelling choice for travelers eager to experience the diverse scenery and storied past of the region.

Starting in Christchurch, the adventure heads southwest toward Omarama, carving through the turquoise lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki. A highlight here is the chance to peer at Aoraki / Mt Cook—the country’s highest peak—before settling into the calm surrounds of Lake Ohau. From Omarama, the route crosses the Lindis Pass into Otago proper, descending to Tarras for a lakeside lunch at Wanaka. The drive offers sweeping views over the Crown Range Road to Arrowtown and Queenstown, where the tour pauses to soak in iconic alpine vistas.

The following days venture farther, tracing the Clutha River and historic goldfields at Ophir and St Bathans. The itinerary is flexible, factoring in road and weather conditions on rugged routes like Danseys Pass. The final stretch weaves through the Waitaki Valley en route back to Christchurch, punctuated by stops in Timaru and Oamaru’s heritage precinct. Throughout, expert guides provide insights into the geology and gold rush history that shaped the region.

This trip stands out because it links South Island’s geological marvels with accessible adventure and cultural context. With comfortable accommodations, meals, and a supportive guide team, Koru Scenic Tours makes the vast and varied landscapes of Otago attainable and memorable. Whether you’re a photographer chasing light or a history buff drawn to mining relics, Through the Middle offers a uniquely layered New Zealand experience that’s as educational as it is spectacular.